Just four weeks before the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, American sprinter and former LSU track star Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for a prohibited substance, potentially causing her to miss the Olympics.
Richardson tested positive for marijuana resulting in a potential one to three-month suspension for the analytical finding.
The test was administered at the US Olympic Trials and marijuana was classified as a ‘Substance of Abuse’ by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on January 1, 2021. The use of this substance carries a maximum four-year ban.
Richardson has the ability to prove the drug was used outside of the competition and was not used for any performance enhancement. If Richardson can prove this, the ban can be reduced to a period of three months “with no need to further examine the degree of fault.”
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WADA also issued a statement saying Richardson can reduce the ban by another month pending her agreement to undertake a treatment program.
Richardson was expected to compete in the 100m at the Games after posting 10.72 seconds in April and winning the 100m at the US Olympic Trials with a time of 10.86. Her performance has now been ruled as disqualified.
The fourth-place winner Jenna Prandini will replace Richardson in the event, and fifth place winner Gabby Thomas has also been entered in the race.
Richardson’s viral performance and personality won over the hearts of many, including former First Lady Michelle Obama.
She responded to the incident on Twitter by simply saying, “I am human.”
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